Our focus is on improving our display – skipper

ALUN Wyn Jones has insisted that his side are focused on improving their performance amid claims of ‘unrest’ in the Wales camp this week.

After a run of five consecutive defeats, defence coach Byron Hayward left his role by mutual consent last weekend.

Wales’ current predicament led Lions star Ugo Monye to speculate that there was unrest in the camp and labelled Wayne Pivac’s Wales ‘a sinking ship’.

When those claims were put to captain Jones ahead of tonight’s game against Ireland in Dublin, he said: “Unrest is something that can be quite provocative to those that are outside the camp. It’s still a job of work for us.

“We’re focused and very clear on what we need to do and we’ll stick to that.”

Pivac and his coaching team find themselves under pressure with just one competitive win under their belts since taking over from Warren Gatland last November.

But Jones insisted the players must take some responsibility for the sticky situation they find themselves in.

“The onus is always on the players. It’s always on us and I don’t think that changes,” he said.

“We’re aware of the external perceptions that people have of us at the minute but we won’t deviate from getting the performance and improving to get the result.

“We’re still very conscious that the performance needs to go up again and that’s been the focus.

“I guess ultimately the responsibility is shared. As a player you are given the tools to go out there and do a job and we will do that to the best of our ability.

“As a playing group we won’t shy away from the pressure. I’ve done this a few times, been in this position a couple of times before and the margins are finite.”

On Hayward’s departure, Jones added: “We’re all grateful to have worked with Byron and for his contribution to the squad and the environment.

“The decision was made by Wayne to make a change. Everything is under constant review, whether you are a player or a coach.

“But we’re all grateful to have had the opportunity to have worked with Byron and wish him all the best in the future.”

■ More rugby: Pages 47-49